Six WHS Codes of Practice amended in NSW

To ensure consistency with the national model WHS Codes of practice, six NSW codes have been updated.

The amendments commenced on Friday 26 September 2016 and include the following:

1. Hazardous Manual Tasks NSW Code of Practice now includes a new example of an administrative control measure in the hierarchy of control table. That is, “Train workers to use control measures implemented when carrying out manual tasks”, which replaces, “Arrange workflows to avoid peak physical and mental demands towards the end of a shift”.
2. How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace NSW Code of Practice now refers workers undertaking asbestos-related work to a special Safe Work Australia guide to health monitoring for exposure to hazardous chemicals.
3. How to Safely Remove Asbestos NSW Code of Practice now includes a more explicit warning not to reuse or re-soak damp cloths that have been used to remove visible asbestos dust or residue from protective clothing.
4. Welding Processes NSW Code of Practice now clarifies the use of flash back arrestors as a control measure for compressed and liquefied gas lines.
5. Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace NSW Code of Practice includes a major change amending the preventative actions checklist for de-energised work.
6. Demolition Work NSW Code of Practice includes an amended definition of “pier”.